Jo Bonner resigns to accept UA job

Friday

May 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, on Thursday said he will resign from Congress to accept a post with the University of Alabama System.

By Ken RobertsCity Editor

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, on Thursday said he will resign from Congress to accept a post with the University of Alabama System.Robert Witt, chancellor of the three-campus UA System, said Bonner will begin his new duties as vice chancellor for government relations and economic development on Aug. 16, the day after his resignation from Congress takes effect.“Jo's extensive government experience and outstanding economic development record make him ideally suited for this important new position,” Witt said in a statement released Thursday by the UA system.The vice chancellor job is a newly created position in the UA system. Bonner, 53, is a 1982 graduate of UA. He is the younger brother of Judy Bonner, who last year was named president of the UA system's flagship Tuscaloosa campus.“I am very pleased that Jo will continue to serve the state of Alabama in this new capacity with the UA System office,” Judy Bonner said. “Certainly, his experience and expertise in the area of government relations and economic development will be invaluable as he works with all three campuses to enhance the quality of life for all Alabamians,” she said.“On a personal level, I am very proud of him, of the contributions he has already made and the work he will accomplish in this new position.”Jo Bonner has served in Congress since 2003. He was re-elected in 2012 and is serving his sixth term representing Alabama's 1st District, a southwestern area that includes Mobile. Gov. Robert Bentley said he will call for a special election to fill the vacated position for the remainder of Bonner's term.